The Good Word Of The Day

Thursday, May 6, 2010

Prayer is basically talking with God. It is simply expressing your heart and spending time with Him. It is not a one way activity, God speaks, we listen, we speak and God listens to our hearts. Prayer can be exciting, powerful and fulfilling.

I am going to be focusing mostly on intercession, but I also wanted to provide an overview on other types of prayer that will hopefully inspire you to pursue your own personal study on this subject.

A. Thanksgiving- Giving thanks to God for all things in your life. We are commanded to give thanks in all circumstances. Being thankful is being grateful for his protection , provision, blessing, and most of all for his Son.

B. Petition- We ask God for the specific things we need in our life. Give us our daily bread. Give us the things we need to survive, a roof over our heads, employment etc. Petitions are usually self orientated, presenting our personal needs to our Heavenly Father, in trust that He will provide. Be specific in your petitions, pray in details and not in generalities.

Biblical Example: Luke 18:1-8.(NIV) Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. He said: "In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared about men. And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, `Grant me justice against my adversary.' "For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, `Even though I don't fear God or care about men, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won't eventually wear me out with her coming!'" And the Lord said, "Listen to what the unjust judge says. And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?"

D Praying For Others- Love on its knees in prayer, for others. Pleading on behalf of the needs of someone else. Standing in the gap, that is, praying prayers of repentance, etc., identifying yourself with the sins of those for which you are in prayer.

Biblical Example: Nehemiah, a godly man, identified with the sins of his people, praying prayers of repentance, asking the Lord to forgive and to have mercy and to raise up once again the nation of Israel.

Neh. 1:3 - 10 (NIV) They said to me, "Those who survived the exile and are back in the province are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire." When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven. Then I said: "O LORD, God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and obey his commands, let your ear be attentive and your eyes open to hear the prayer your servant is praying before you day and night for your servants, the people of Israel. I confess the sins we Israelites, including myself and my father's house, have committed against you. We have acted very wickedly toward you. We have not obeyed the commands, decrees and laws you gave your servant Moses. "Remember the instruction you gave your servant Moses, saying, `If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the nations, but if you return to me and obey my commands, then even if your exiled people are at the farthest horizon, I will gather them and bring them to the place I have chosen as a dwelling for my Name.' "They are your servants and your people, whom you redeemed by your great strength and your mighty hand. O Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of this your servant and to the prayer of your servants who delight in revering your name. Give your servant success today by granting him favour in the presence of this man."

God is a merciful God who listens to the cries of his children and desires to see their lives transformed by his saving grace. As a loving Father, he truly wants to see his children be productive, healthy and living to their full potential. As such, he calls us to pray ... to talk to him and to bring our needs, our desires and our wants to him. He loves when we bring the needs of others into his throne room and he lavishes his good gifts as a result. However, not every prayer we pray or every need we bring to our loving father is always answered in the way we would want and this can be confusing. How could this loving God refuse his children anything that they would request?

Reports of Answered Prayers Be encouraged by the latest inspirational reports from visitors to this prayer ministry.

I have had the blessing of being the overseer of an internet prayer ministry since 1997 and since its inception, I have invited prayer requests from around the world and have rejoiced with those who have reported God's hand miraculously changing circumstances, saved lives and bringing loved ones to a personal relationship with Christ. I have sat under excellent teaching on the subject of prayer and intercession and have learned much through practice, through observation and through trials and many errors along the way. I must state right off that I have yet to find in the bible any money-back guaranteed methodology or a step by step guide on how to pray 'the' prayer that will see results every time.

I suspect God has a good reason for not making it quite that simple. God desires a heart to heart, soul to soul relationship with every man, woman and child on the face of the earth. From Genesis to Revelation He demonstrates his undying passion and determination to woo us to him. He knew that if placed a "Dummies Guide to Getting What You Want From God." into our hands that our eyes would only be fixed on the formula and the guide and our eyes would not be fixed on his face.

God, as a loving Father truly has our best interests at heart. He wants us whole and healed. He longs for us to know his love and to spread that love to others. It is not his will that we go hungry, be in chains of mind-numbing debt, be homeless, or lack the necessities. He created us and knows every dream, longing, and desire that is in our hearts. His heart breaks at our heartbreaks. He longs to set every captive free, captives of injustice, addictions, bitterness, and loneliness. He finds no pleasure in seeing suffering upon the earth. As a loving father, he desires to give us good gifts. Gifts undeserved but tokens of his love for us.

God created us to be in fellowship with him. He asks us to pray so he can commune with us and we can commune with him. He does not call us to pray because he derives pleasure from seeing his children beg, plead, and bend over backward in order to get an answer from Him. It is no joy to him to see his children reach about in the dark, hoping that somehow they 'stumble across' the right words to pray and get the right combination. Prayer was never meant to be a stab in the dark. The bible is full of examples of his heart. His character, his ways, and effective prayers of those who learned to know God. There are several articles on this website on the subject of prayer and I invite you to read the menu on the left or to return to the main menu to learn more.

I have learned a few things as I've walked with the Lord for the past 30 years but I am the first to admit I still have much to learn. One of the keys is to know the heart of the one to whom I bring my requests. If I have a strong foundation built on the truth that God is good, God cares and God's heart and desires for me and for my loved ones are better than anything I could ever imagine, then I am definitely on the right track.

I definitely do not have all the answers but I humbly offer some insights that I have garnered over the years. It is my hope that some of the pointers below might spur you on to discover more of God's ways in your own life adventure of prayer.

1. Surrender to the fact that God's ways are not our ways.

Isaiah 55:9 For [as] the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

God has a unique vantage and the ability to see the overall picture that we can never fully see ourselves unless he gives us his perspective. We are finite creatures and cannot see the future and our understanding of the past and present are often clouded. When we are in crisis and in deep pain, we can hardly see beyond our own nose. The deeper our emotional, physical or spiritual pain, the more difficult it is for us to see beyond our own turmoil. When we throw ourselves on God's mercy, we don't have to rely on our own understanding.

The best way to really get to know God's ways is to get to know Him. The best way to get to know God is to spend time with Him, in prayer and in reading his words to us that can be found in the bible, find a bible believing church, and be in fellowship with other followers of Him. It is no use to ask God to do something that would go against his character or go against his highest desires for those we bring before him He does not hide his character from us -- and he has freely given us many avenues to learn of the ways of His heart. If we are praying what is already in His heart to do upon the earth, how can he not answer?

For example. A young woman desperately wants a certain Mr Right to notice her and to fall in love with her. She truly believes he is 'the one' and she comes before the Lord, demanding that God change the heart of 'the one' to fall in line with her own desires. After all, she's just SURE she's meant to be the one for him and he'll make her happy all the days of her life. Why, every time she sees him in Church, her heart just goes all a flutter and that has to be God, right?

God, in his mercy, as a loving Father, rarely answers such a prayer in the way that the young girl might want. He can see that this young girl needs to mature before she'd be ready to enter into a loving, committed relationship. However, if the girl were to ask the Lord to bring His highest good and purposes into the life of this young man, even if those purposes might lead that young man away from her rather than to her, God would delight in responding to a prayer born from such unselfish love.

Another example: A wife walks away from an abusive marriage, seeking separation. The husband declares to God that divorce is a sin and that it is his right that God bring his wife back to him. I believe the Lord's heart is for reconciliation but God sees the overall picture and knows that a work must take place in the husband's heart before he would be able to cherish the gift of his wife's heart within that reconciliation.

2 Be patient and trust that Lord will bring forth His highest good into the situations that we bring to him, as we remain faithful, seeking his direction, and learning his ways. God in his infinite mercy will sometimes bring instant and immediate responses to our prayers on occasion but I have found that persistent, consistent prayer is needed more times than not. Surrender anxiety to him, he already knows how anxious and worried you are over the situation. Often, God needs to bring about a heart change in an individual or situation that can only be brought forth through a longer process than we would like. While God does not ask us to fast in order to 'twist his arm', he will call us to pray and fast, after all, his son gave the ultimate sacrifice in order to see the greatest miracle of all --- the salvation of mankind.

3. Be willing to do your part. If you have find yourself in financial debt because of poor spending habits, credit card addictions or poor financial planning, humble yourself and sit under the counsel of those who have learned wise business practices through bible study and life experience. If you have sinned, admit your sin, accept the Lord's forgiveness and do what you can to bring restitution. It is not our place to try to force others to forgive us; we can only offer our true apologies and do all we can do to bring restitution. However, our God is truly the God of second chances and he can bring healing to our hearts. There is no scripture that says, "God helps those that help themselves." God is more than willing to come alongside us and help us as we reach out to Him for help. He only asks us to ask.

4. Remain in a position of trust and relationship with the Lord even when the answer to your prayer request appears to be utter silence, 'no' or 'wait'. This can truly be the most difficult obstacle of all. Deep disappointment, frustration, and confusion are natural responses when situations become worse, lives continue to be shattered, and our prayers seem to go unheard. However, those who have learned to press on through those emotions and still declare the goodness of God see the most victory in their prayer lives. They have learned to know the heart of God and know that He is good, despite their immediate circumstances. The story of Lazarus speaks of this principle. Mary and Martha obviously had a previous relationship with Jesus and expected him to move on behalf of their ill brother. When not only did Jesus delay his arrival but also their brother died in the meanwhile, their hopes were crushed. As they received Jesus' presence in the midst of their grief, God was able to work a miracle.

As you can see, there are no short cuts in learning how to pray effectively. However, God is more than willing to walk alongside us every step of the way, encouraging us in fledgling baby steps and inspiring us to go deeper with Him as we learn.

The following article was written a few days after September 11, 2001. It is by no means a political statement, but it is a reminder that the Lord is our eternal Commander in Chief.

2 Chronicles 20 New King James Version.

The Lord knew Jehoshaphat was hopelessly outnumbered by enemies, the fear of these enemies was upon the land. Jehoshaphat's people were afraid and looked to him, as their king, for words of comfort and the king in turn turned in desperation to God and God answered.

It probably seemed to be a very strange answer in the natural but God responded. He reminded them that the battle was HIS and belonged to Him. He would lead the army into battle. King Jehoshaphat instructed praise and worshipers to lead the children of Israel into battle and to obey the Lord's directive. He ordered them to stand back and worship. And as these people overcame their fear and their natural instinct to lash out in that fear and run into the battle on their own, or to run back - away from witnessing the battle, The Lord went into battle for them, their enemies were thrown into confusion, turning each against the other and the battle was won!

In light of the horrific events of September 11, 2001, this scripture has been stirred in my heart again and again by the Lord. My simple prayer is this. That the Lord would speak to our world leaders and that they would harken to the voice of the Lord. That they would seek His face for strategy and that they would step forward in that. I pray for our Church leaders worldwide, pastors, heads of denominations, prayer groups, cell group leaders, mothers, fathers, all those who are in a role of authority over others. Let them seek the Lord while He is to be found. Let them seek His face for direction.

I pray for worshipers in spirit and in truth to come forward and courageously raise the banner of praise. I pray that they lift up their voices in a cry of love, adoration and triumph and that they would be a unified voice that would shake the heavens and serve notice to the enemy of our souls, Satan that Jesus Christ is still on the throne and that Our GOD reigns and He WILL win.

I pray that when God's people are tempted to speak and act out of fear, bitterness, anger and want to lash back in revenge, that they would instead find themselves on their knees in prayer, seeking the Lord and His ways. I pray that when we find ourselves holding grudges or resentments against our loved ones, our neighbours, our brothers and sisters in Christ, our national leaders, even those who would rise up against us, that we would quickly place ourselves in a position of forgiveness so the enemy does not gain a foothold against us. I would ask the Lord to remind us that He IS a God who is a jealous God and that He is in battle on our behalf. I pray that we would not cave into the spirit of fear, resentment and bitterness that was launched on us all on September 11, 2001. I pray we would have the courage to refuse to surrender to the enemy of our souls. I pray that the Lord would give us the anointing to fight back in the opposite spirit, in courage, contentment, faith, obedience to God's direction, in openness, trust and grace.

"Beloved, I say, let your fears go, lest they make you fainthearted. Stop inspiring fear in those around you and now take your stand in faith. God has been good and He will continue to manifest His goodness........ Let us approach these days expecting to see the goodness of the Lord manifest. Let us be strong and of good courage, for the Lord will fight for us if we stand in faith."

Francis FrangipaneTo read the rest of this excellent article, please visit Frangipane.org And find the article. "Let the Fainthearted Go" in the weekly message area.

A Time To Pause.A time for reflection and meditation of things past;a time to look to the future of things yet to be;a time to strive for a better relationship with one another;a time to reconfirm that which we hold dear, to keep and hold near.

A time to reminisce, to clear one's mind for a fresh start;a time to put behind us the evil of the day, to stop the pain;a time of sweet thoughts of a mother held so very dear;a time when we sat beside our father on a river bank.

A time I would return to all who seek relief from this world;a time to simply sit and do nothing for the entire day;A time deep in thought of what once was, but is no more;a time that shall never be again, no matter the pain we feel.

A time to sit with your children. they grow to be adults so quickly;a time that slips so quickly from our grasp, never to return;A time to mend hurt feelings of things said in haste in a moment of anger;a time to simply sit and weep at all of that which we cannot change.

A time to seek after the ways of God, to follow His leading;a time to let the Master ease our hurt and ease our thoughts;a time to do what we should have, it seems so long ago now;a time to simply let pride go and get our "house" in order.

A time of greatness lies ahead if we but seek it, and act upon it;a time of grave urgency, to correct wrongs of the past;a time of forgiveness from a Father with outstretched arms;a time to lay our head upon the breast of our God and weep,Simply from the joy we feel.

Do you have loved ones who once loved the Lord and loved His people but who have walked away from God? Have they been wounded by church splits or become dissilusioned with the Church? Have they become bitter and resentful as they have seen friends and family not live up to Christ's model? Were they once red-hot for God but gradually became cold and disinterested in the things of the Kingdom?

You'll find keys for praying for them and strategies for you to change your own heart towards the prodigals who have hurt or rejected you for your own faith.

Note: These prayers are NOT meant to be shortcuts or to replace a close and intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. HE is our ultimate protection and hiding ourselves under His wing is the position we should always remain in. We should keep short accounts with sin in our lives, confessing and repenting, keeping a clean slate so as not to give the enemy any foothold in our lives. If you have not yet accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour of your life, might I invite you to do so now. Please go to This page to read more on this subject. I am a Christian and my life is in His hands. My Faith is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness. Read more at "What is salvation and why do I need to be saved ?".

Do this once through out your home.

Note: When addressing the enemy, speak aloud. You don't need to do this in a loud voice, even a whisper is fine, but the enemy is not all knowing. Please pray these prayers in faith believing and not as a chant or as if reading a memorized shopping list.

Go through your house with any oil, it doesn't have to be anything special, olive oil, vegetable oil, baby oil are all great. Put a small dot of oil on top and the sides of every access way into your home, windows and doors and interior entryways into every room of your house, including basement and attic. (You only need to do this from the inside!) If you have a garage, do not forget to anoint this building as well. Pray this. "I pray for the protection of the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ over this room/window/entryway."

Go through your house, asking the Lord to show you any object or item that gives you pause, that makes you wonder if it is to be prayed over. Questionable statues, posters, books, movies, CDs, souvenirs brought back from vacation, knickknacks, jewelry, that sort of thing. Ask the Lord if you should anoint it, praying the prayer above over it, or just dump it out of your house. Don't spend hours wondering over objects, ask the Lord to speak to you clearly and quickly and trust Him that he will show you what if anything must be removed or anointed. Please NOTE: Only do this over objects you actually own. You do not have the right to remove or destroy another person's property. If something truly gives you spiritual "willies," speak to the person calmly, without accusation and ask them if you can pray a prayer of blessing over it or remove it from the home.

Bible Verses of God's Protection In Times of Danger - Click on this link for promises of God's protection over yourself and your loved ones. Personalize these as you pray, for example: Psalm 91: Replace the word "he who dwells" with "Robert who dwells" or whomever you are called to cover in prayer.

A word of caution about praying for angelic protection. Keep in mind that Satan himself is a fallen angel and that most bible scholars agree that many angels chose to rebel along with Satan. Always ask God to send you HIS angelic protection in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and make sure to research carefully anyone who offers courses on 'angels' and 'angelic> spirit guides' or 'angel protectors'. Many new-age practioners do not understand the difference between fallen angels and God's heavenly guard. If you are researching online, always look for the website's statement of faith or 'about us' page. If they do not clearly state that there is no other way to Heaven and no other way to God except through unconditional and total surrender to Jesus Christ, stay clear of those teachings. Any website that says there are many ways to God or to 'enlightenment' stay clear. Stay away from any books or so called agencies or ministries that assert that Jesus is only one of many spiritual 'teachers'. Although they may use language that seems 'Christian' on the surface, you will find most such books, teachings and websites deny Jesus' deity and rightful authority as the ONLY way, the ONLY truth and the ONLY light. Avoid any web site or book that places more emphasis on the created (Angels) than the creator, Yahweh, the only true and living God.

Daily Prayers of Protection

Pray them in this order.

In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, I command a hedge of protection to be around my home and property today and I ask that warrior angels sent by the one true God would be placed to stand guard at any holes that might be in that hedge. *Holes in the hedge can be caused by yet to be dealt with sin, trauma or wounding in the lives of the people who dwell in the home.

In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, I command any free, unbound, or wandering spirits to get out beyond that hedge of protection now.

In the name of Jesus Christ, I ask that warrior angels be placed at the doorways and access points to my home and property today that would keep out any free, unbound or wandering spirits that would try to access my home and property today. Jesus, send warrior angels that would bind and separate from their functions any demons attached to any individuals entering my home and property today. * An access point could be cable TV, internet, telephone or other communication devices in the home, power hookup, water supply or heat source.

Father God, I ask for a spiritual umbrella of protection over me and a spiritual hedge of protection around me. I place the full armour of God on me, and I ask that the light of the Lord Jesus shine through me this day.

Note: I strongly recommend praying Ephesians 6 daily over yourself and meditating on the scripture often.

Eph 6: 13-17 Therefore put on the full armour of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

If you are plagued by nightmares, restless nights sleeping and a sense of uneasiness in your bedroom, pray this before going to bed each night.

Father God, I ask that you would send warrior angels at the bedposts of my bed. (Alternatively, the corners of your bed if you don't have a bedpost) and I declare that YOU are the Lord of my nights.

Praying for Children/spouse

Daily pray:

1. Father God, I ask that you would send your angels to bind up any and all demons which have rights and grounds to my children and that you do that right now.

2. I command that all demons that have rights and grounds to my children be completely separated from all their functions, now. I command that any demons that have any business to do with my wife/children/husband today that you come through me first. (In other words, if the enemy has a bone to pick, go pick on someone his own size).

3. Father God, please place a barrier of protection around each one of my children right now and Lord Jesus, I ask that you would come today, at any time necessary, to deal with any and all spirit beings which might attempt to harass my children/spouse.

4. Pray Ephesians 6 over your children.

Another Prayer for Daily Protection for Christians

Dear Heavenly Father, I pray this prayer in the power of the Holy Spirit

I bind all curses that have been spoken against me. I bless those who curse me, and pray blessings on those who despiteful use me.

I bind all spoken judgment made against me and judgments I have made against othersI bind the power of negative words from others, and I bind and render useless all prayers not inspired by the Holy Spirit; whether psychic, soul force, witchcraft or counterfeit tongues that have been prayed against me.

I am God's child. I resist the devil. No weapon formed against me shall prosper. I put on the whole armor of God. I take authority over this day, in Jesus' name. Let it be prosperous for me, let me walk in your love, Lord. The Holy Spirit leads and guides me today, I discern between the righteous and the wicked.

I take authority over Satan and all his demons, and those people who are influenced by them. I declare Satan is under my feet and remain there all day. I am the righteous of God in Christ Jesus.

I am God's property. Satan you are bound from my family, my mind, my body, my home and my finances.

I confess that I am healed and whole. I flourish, I am long lived, stable, durable, incorruptible, fruitful, virtuous, full of peace, patience and love. Whatsoever I set my hand to do shall prosper, for God supplies all my needs. I have all authority over Satan, all demons, and beasts of the field. God, I pray for the ministry that you have for me. Anoint me, God, for all you have called me to do for you.

I call forth divine appointments, open doors of opportunity, God ordained encounters and ministry positions. I claim a hedge of protection around myself, spouse and children throughout this day and night.

I ask you God, in the name of Jesus to dispatch angels to surround me, my spouse and my children today, and to put them throughout my house and around our cars, souls and bodies. I ask angels to protect my house from any intrusion and to protect me and my family from any harmful demonic or other physical or mental attacks.

I ask this prayer in the name of Jesus AMEN.

Lorica of Patrick

I arise todayThrough a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity,Through a belief in the Threeness,Through confession of the OnenessOf the Creator of creation.

I arise todayThrough the strength of Christ's birth and His baptism,Through the strength of His crucifixion and His burial,Through the strength of His resurrection and His ascension,Through the strength of His descent for the judgment of doom.

I arise todayThrough the strength of the love of cherubim,In obedience of angels,In service of archangels,In the hope of resurrection to meet with reward,In the prayers of patriarchs,In preachings of the apostles,In faiths of confessors,In innocence of virgins,In deeds of righteous men.

I arise todayThrough the strength of heaven;Light of the sun,Splendor of fire,Speed of lightning,Swiftness of the wind,Depth of the sea,Stability of the earth,Firmness of the rock.

I arise todayThrough God's strength to pilot me;God's might to uphold me,God's wisdom to guide me,God's eye to look before me,God's ear to hear me,God's word to speak for me,God's hand to guard me,God's way to lie before me,God's shield to protect me,God's hosts to save meFrom snares of the devil,From temptations of vices,From every one who desires me ill,Afar and anear,Alone or in a multitude.

I summon today all these powers between me and evil,Against every cruel merciless power that opposes my body and soul,Against incantations of false prophets,Against black laws of pagandom,Against false laws of heretics,Against craft of idolatry,Against spells of smiths and wizards,Against every knowledge that corrupts man's body and soul.Christ shield me todayAgainst poison, against burning,Against drowning, against wounding,So that reward may come to me in abundance.

Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me,Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me,Christ on my right, Christ on my left,Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down,Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me,Christ in the mouth of every man who speaks of me,Christ in the eye that sees me,Christ in the ear that hears me.

I arise todayThrough a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity,Through a belief in the Threeness,Through a confession of the OnenessOf the Creator of creation

This inspirational confession of faith and prayer was written by Patrick (ca. 377)Patrick was originally a slave in Ireland, received freedom, left and was called back years later by the Lord to bring the gospel to the nation. Patrick and a small band of believers literally turned Ireland around into a Christian nation.

The following prayers can be prayed as graces, blessings or prayer before family meals on a daily basis or special occasions. Feel free to customize the prayers in order that they are a blessing to your specific situation.

Christian Blessings Looking for blessings to pray over others in private or in a group situation?

Bless us Oh Lord and these thy gifts which we are about to receive through thy bounty through Christ Our Lord, Amen

Full of joy and thankfulness, we say 'Thank you Lord' from the bottom of our hearts. We look at the food that has been prepared by loving hands, we look into the faces of those that love us and whom we love.

All good gifts around us are sent from heaven above, and we will never forget who is our true provider. We thank you as you bless this food and bless this time together. Amen

Thank you, Lord. These are simple words but they come from simple hearts that overflow with the realization of your goodness. We ask you to bless us as we eat, bless this food and bless the hands that prepared it. May the words of our lips spring forth from hearts of gratitude and may we bless others as we fellowship today.

We thank you, Father God, for the love that binds us, for the food that nourishes us, and for your giving of your Son into our world to save us. Amen.

Father in Heaven,We praise You for giving us Your SonTo be our Saviour and Lord.Bless us all as we gather here today,And let us live happily in Your love.Hear our prayer, loving Father,For we ask this in Jesus' Name. Amen

Dear Lord, thank you for this food.Bless the hands that prepared it.Bless it to our use and us to your service.And make us ever mindful of the needs of others.Through Christ our Lord we pray. Amen.

All that we have, is all a gift.It comes, O God, from you;We thank you for it. Amen

We give you thanks from grateful hearts for this meal, for our fellowship, for your love, for your provision of food and of those who prepared this wonderful meal for us. Help us to remember that you are with us around the table and may our hearts and words be a blessing to you in return.

Heavenly Father, great and good,We thank thee for this daily food.Bless us even as we pray;Guide and keep us through this day.

Lord Jesus ChristYou blessed us with five loaves and two fishBless this food we sharePlace your peace in our heartsand your love in our lives Amen

Blessed art Thou, Lord of all Creation. Through your goodness we have this gifts for our use, the fruit of your bounty and the work of human hands. As they become part of our substance may they give you honor and glory. Amen.

Oh LordWe thank you for your loving provisionWe thank you for this food and ask you to bless itMay we never be forget those who have want and are in needMay our eyes and our hearts be alert and our hands be open to give from the abundance you have given us. Amen

For food in a world where many walk in hunger;For faith in a world where many walk in fear;For friends in a world where many walk alone;We give you thanks, O Lord. Amen.God is great, God is goodLet us thank Him for our food. Amen

Be present at our table, Lord!Be here and everywhere adored.Your mercies bless, and grant that weMay feast in Paradise with Thee! Amen

Thank you for the food we eat,Thank you for the friends we meet.Thank you for the birds that sing,Thank you, God, for everything. Amen

For all we eat, and all we wear,For daily bread, and nightly care,we thank thee heavenly Father. Amen.

May the peace and blessing of Goddescend upon us as we receive of his bounty,and may our hearts be filledwith love for one another.

To God who gives us every good giftOur hearts we lift in praiseWe thank you for your love, for your joy, for your strengthAnd we ask your blessing over us as we share the blessings you have given us Amen

One of my favourite books in which I draw much comfort is the final installment of the "Chronicles of Narnia" by C S Lewis, entitled "The Last Battle", The protagonists find themselves in a final battle that appears to be hopeless. The tiny band of heroes are incredibly outnumbered, weary, bruised, betrayed by those that they protected, slandered and wounded, Finding themselves literally between a rock and a hard place, they battle on, even as they hear the distant sound of foreign drums signaling the dreadful promise of yet even more of the enemies troops to descend upon them. They battle on, fighting the good fight, their arrows and swords making purchase against their enemies, not fleeing or stopping as many of their own fall around them. As one of the warriors grieves over the loss of a friend who is felled in front of her, the young warrioress is not rebuked but only gently instructed to turn her head so her tears would not wet and ruin the string of her bow. They placed their trust in Aslan (The Christ figure in this Christian Allegory) aware that it was not their business to know the outcome of their efforts; their business was to do only his will, no matter what the cost and no matter how deep their grief.

I personally have battled many seemingly impossible battles in my own life, many of which I still have no understanding of the outcome and many of which are ongoing long term battles that the Lord calls me to 'not lose heart' but to press on in prayer and faith in his leadership. Through times of deep betrayal, confusion and deep grief, I cry out to God for explanation. "Why?" Often, the answer will not be evident this side of heaven. That's not my business. My business is to use the full armour of God and press on until the Lord calls me back from the battleground.

Eph 6: 13: KJVTake unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

2 Cor 10:3 - 6 KJVFor though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds; Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.

Be strong! We are not here to play, to dream, to drift, We have hard work to do, and loads to lift. Shun not the struggle, face it, 'tis God's gift. Be strong! Say not the days are evil - who's to blame? And fold the hands and acquiesce - O shame. Stand up, speak out, and bravely, in God's name. Be strong! It matters not how deep-entrenched the wrong, how hard the battle goes, the day how long, Faint not, fight on! Tomorrow comes the song.

Maltbie Davenport Babcock

I was given an invitation to join with a group of intercessors in a long-term concerted effort. The goal being: To see God work the miraculous in a desperate, impossible situation. My heart sunk when I was given details of the battle we were about to face. I was very well aware of what was asked of us and I did not need to count the cost, I knew the emotional, spiritual and physical price of joining this mission.

Four years before this invitation, many of us had warred in our spirits over this very situation and saw the hand of God change circumstances. It was a victory that was born from agony, tears, fasting and wavering faith. Through it all lay an overwhelming trust in a God who hears the cry of His children and who ruled supreme. Yet we all knew at the time that this war was not yet over and the victory was not complete. There had been minor setbacks in the meanwhile but now a huge battle loomed. Could I find the courage and fortitude to press in once again?

Our leader instructed us as individuals to seek the Lord as to our involvement in the present battle. War can be ugly, even in the spiritual realms and she did not want any of us to take part if we were not completely clear that the Lord was calling us forth. I looked around the circle of men and women gathered and while I could see they were asking of themselves the same questions I asked myself, I also could see a straightening of their inner spines and a resolve firm their facial expressions. We were a 'band of brothers', many of us had fought the previous battle and we were carrying the knowledge and skills learned through that battle.

It is not my place to know the sure outcome of my obedient stepping forth as He calls me into battle. He requires me to be willing, humble, obedient and open to his training. As Commander in Chief, he will direct the path of this little band of prayer warriors. We place our trust in the One who reigns over all.

Psalm 18: 31 - 35 NASBFor who is God, but the LORD? And who is a rock, except our God, The God who girds me with strength And makes my way blameless? He makes my feet like hinds' feet, And sets me upon my high places. He trains my hands for battle, So that my arms can bend a bow of bronze. You have also given me the shield of Your salvation, And Your right hand upholds me.

Father God, many of us have long-term battles in our lives that seem hopeless to us. We have spent hours on our knees in prayer, yet the enemy's onslaught continues. We are tired and weary, our hearts are sore yet we declare, 'We shall not lose heart.' We will take your armour and we will fight, if need be, until our dying breath, confident that the One who reigns supreme and sits upon the Throne will eventually conquer. We will press on until you give us the command to stop.

To be an effective person of prayer, you must have relationship with the One to whom you pray.

Above all else, prayer is an opportunity to enjoy intimacy with God. Prayer is all about relationship with Father God. God longs to have relationship with you.

To know God is to realize that we are in relationship, covenant relationship with Him. You are His child. He is your Father. You are His bride. He is your Groom.

Jesus warns us that we can do His works and not be known of God.

Matt 7:21-23 (NIV) "Not everyone who says to me, `Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, `Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, `I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'

How Can I Develop an Intimate Relationship with God?

* A. Spend Time with the Lord, daily.* B. Study the Word of God* C. Worship* D. Repentance* E. Practice the Presence of the Lord

A. Spend Time with the Lord, daily.In any earthly relationship, the way to develop relationship with someone is to spend time with them. Intimate relationships are born by learning to trust. Being open and vulnerable and being willing to show all of your heart invites intimacy. To be intimate is to be willing to show all that is in your heart to the person. To be an intimate friend of God, you need to be able to pour out your heart to Him, sharing the most intimate details of your life, your hopes, your dreams and your very heart with Him.

Prov. 17:17 (NIV) A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.

This scripture not only applies to God's heart toward us, but it should be our stance toward the Lord. Our hearts should long to be with Him no matter what the circumstance. As His people, We are to love Him and be His friend first. From that base of intimacy, we can pray effectively.

If our prayer life consists only of petition and intercession, it can lead to anger and frustration. If prayer is not answered in the speed that we wish it to be answered, we can become bitter and resentful toward God. However, If we grow to know God, a delayed prayer will only be an opportunity to pray again. Spending much time with the Lord is one of the only methods to truly know His ways, and not just His acts. Knowing God leads to resting in the assurance of His ultimate goodness, despite the circumstances we see around us.

Hab. 3:17-18 Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior.

To be in intimate relationship with God is to make Him number one in our lives, above all others, and above all else.

Matt 10:37 "Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me;

Ask the Lord to show you any idols in your lives that would be number one instead of Him. These idols can take the form of family, friends, ministry, work or even personal dreams .

B. We get to know Him through the study of the word of God, in prayer.

As you daily study His word, you will soon get to know His will, His ways and His heart, which will give you keys to know how to pray. When you understand the way He moves in the lives of people, you can pray prayers that line up to His will. Psalm 119 is a wonderful passage to meditate upon, as it tells us the rewards of studying His word.

C. As we worship the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, He births intimacy in our hearts.

In worship, we are lavishing all our attention and affections toward Him.

Worship cleanses you from the "dirt" you pick up as you walk your everyday life by just living in an unsaved world.

A good anointed worship time refreshes and revives you. It speaks to your spirit the truth about God and His power. To be an effective intercessor, you must be awake in your spirit. Worship will awaken and sharpen your spirit to be in tune with the will of the Lord.

D. Repentance

Ask the Lord to search your heart, and to show you if there be any wicked way in it. The Lord is faithful to show us our motivations and secret desires. Keep a short account with the Lord.

1 John 1:8-9 (NIV) If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

If you know there are wounds from hurts you have received, allow the Lord to heal those areas as you forgive and receive forgiveness and healing. If you find it hard to hear from God, ask Him to show blockages or walls in your own life that are hindering you from receiving and giving to the Lord. Some blockages are unforgiveness, unconfessed sin, disobedience, wounds and hurts.

To pray effectively, pray out of a pure heart, so you don't pray in bitterness, anger and judgment.

Prayers prayed out of impure motives are sometimes known as soulful prayers. They are usually not very effective. When the Lord begins to show us things to pray for and our hearts are free from unconfessed sin and judgments toward others, we can pray without prejudice.

Praying For Others is front line spiritual warfare. It is essential that you pray for protection for yourself and your family as you enter into intercession. Sin can provide an open door for the enemy to attack us. If, when you pray for others, you find things falling apart in your own life, ask the Lord to search your heart and show you any doors left open because of your own sin, or sin against you.

E. Practice the Presence of God.

Practice just "being with God." Just enjoy each others company. Sometimes, just sitting with the Lord in silence can bring deep communion and refreshment to your spirit, soul and body. An earthly example of this sort of "being", would be a loving couple who have been married for years. They do not have to say a word to each other yet a glance or a smile can pass on deep intimacy and "knowing."

You don't always have to be talking to Him. You don't always have to be expecting heavy revelation from heaven, in prayer, you can just enjoy being with Him.

Part of practicing the presence of God is to understand he is with you always. It is a biblical fact and is not based on your emotions.

Deut 31:6 (NIV) Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."

The presence of God is there all the time. Learning to know He is there, however, will take time and patience. Just drink in His love for in the presence of God, fear cannot reside, anxiety cannot reside, heaviness cannot abide. You need to learn to tune into His presence, it is always there, but we need to practice becoming aware of it.

General Helps in Prayer

*

Have on hand your bible, a pen and a notebook *

Find a quiet place to pray if possible. This is not always possible, however, and God still blesses your prayer time in the midst of distractions. *

Be accustomed to periods of silence and don't be afraid of pauses. *

If you find your mind wandering in prayer: o

Pray out loud. o

Read scriptures out loud. If you don't know what to pray, then pray the prayers of the bible, there are dozens of prayers that you can take as your own. Pray the Psalms for example. They are songs, after all, perhaps they are better to be heard by the ear to reach the heart, like all songs.

Paul prayed as an apostle over his charges all through his letters so grab a pen and paper and make note of where these prayers are and pray these in faith for yourself and for those you have made prayer priorities. There are many prayers in the Old Testament as well that you can make your heart's prayer. As you read the Word out loud, you will find certain passages leap out at you that you never noticed before, as it takes longer to read out loud than to scan the page silently. Your heart and mind will have a longer opportunity to "chew" on the Word.

Walk or pace as you read the Word out loud, you'll be amazed how it will inspire you and keep your mind from wandering. The combination of reading out loud and walking trains your brain to concentrate on the task at hand. If you can't walk, then be creative in finding another way to keep your body a part of your prayer experience. o

Put on a worship tape. o

Ask the Lord to protect you as you pray. o

Declare you are determined to pray. o

If there is a pressing need of your own on your mind, submit it to the Lord in prayer. Write down those things that are causing your mind to wander and submit them to the Lord. o

Walk! Stand, change your posture. If you find you are dozing off regularly in your devotions and prayer times, then stand and walk around the room you are in. o

Ask the Lord if this is the best time for you to be praying. Some people are morning people, others can press in to the Lord in the wee small hours of the night. Find out what works best for you.

I lift up my eyes to the hills- Where does my help come from?My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.He will not let your foot slip -He who watches over you will not slumber;Indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.The LORD watches over youThe LORD is your shade at your right hand;The sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.The LORD will keep you from all harm -He will watch over your life;The LORD will watch over your coming and goingBoth now and forevermore.Psalm 12

Genesis 18:23-32Then Abraham approached him and said: "Will you sweep away the righteous with the wicked? What if there are fifty righteous people in the city? Will you really sweep it away and not spare the place for the sake of the fifty righteous people in it? Far be it from you to do such a thing—to kill the righteous with the wicked, treating the righteous and the wicked alike. Far be it from you! Will not the Judge of all the earth do right?" The LORD said, "If I find fifty righteous people in the city of Sodom, I will spare the whole place for their sake." Then Abraham spoke up again: "Now that I have been so bold as to speak to the Lord, though I am nothing but dust and ashes, what if the number of the righteous is five less than fifty? Will you destroy the whole city because of five people?" "If I find forty-five there," he said, "I will not destroy it." Once again he spoke to him, "What if only forty are found there?" He said, "For the sake of forty, I will not do it." Then he said, "May the Lord not be angry, but let me speak. What if only thirty can be found there?" He answered, "I will not do it if I find thirty there." Abraham said, "Now that I have been so bold as to speak to the Lord, what if only twenty can be found there?" He said, "For the sake of twenty, I will not destroy it." Then he said, "May the Lord not be angry, but let me speak just once more. What if only ten can be found there?" He answered, "For the sake of ten, I will not destroy it."

2 Chronicles 7:14-15If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place.es are upon you."

Ezra 10:1While Ezra was praying and confessing, weeping and throwing himself down before the house of God, a large crowd of Israelites—men, women and children—gathered around him. They too wept bitterly.

Nehemiah 9:32"Now therefore, O our God, the great, mighty and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love, do not let all this hardship seem trifling in your eyes--the hardship that has come upon us, upon our kings and leaders, upon our priests and prophets, upon our fathers and all your people, from the days of the kings of Assyria until today.

Psalms 106:23So he said he would destroy them— had not Moses, his chosen one, stood in the breach before him to keep his wrath from destroying them.

Isaiah 59:16He saw that there was no one, he was appalled that there was no one to intervene; so his own arm worked salvation for him, and his own righteousness sustained him.

Isaiah 62:6-7I have posted watchmen on your walls, O Jerusalem; they will never be silent day or night. You who call on the LORD, give yourselves no rest and give him no rest till he establishes Jerusalem and makes her the praise of the earth.

Ezekiel 22:30-31I looked for a man among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found none.So I will pour out my wrath on them and consume them with my fiery anger, bringing down on their own heads all they have done, declares the Sovereign LORD.

Daniel 6:10Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before.

Jeremiah 13:16-17Give glory to the LORD your God before he brings the darkness, before your feet stumble on the darkening hills. You hope for light, but he will turn it to thick darkness and change it to deep gloom.But if you do not listen, I will weep in secret because of your pride; my eyes will weep bitterly, overflowing with tears, because the LORD's flock will be taken captive.

Lamentations 3:48-50Streams of tears flow from my eyes because my people are destroyed.My eyes will flow unceasingly, without relief, until the LORD looks down from heaven and sees.

Joel 2:17Let the priests, who minister before the LORD, weep between the temple porch and the altar. Let them say, "Spare your people, O LORD. Do not make your inheritance an object of scorn, a byword among the nations. Why should they say among the peoples, 'Where is their God?'

Luke 22:32But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers."

John 17:1-26After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed: "Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you. For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him. Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do. And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began. "I have revealed you to those whom you gave me out of the world. They were yours; you gave them to me and they have obeyed your word. Now they know that everything you have given me comes from you. For I gave them the words you gave me and they accepted them. They knew with certainty that I came from you, and they believed that you sent me. I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours. All I have is yours, and all you have is mine. And glory has come to me through them. I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name--the name you gave me--so that they may be one as we are one. While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe by that name you gave me. None has been lost except the one doomed to destruction so that Scripture would be fulfilled. "I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them. I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified. "My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. "Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world. "Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them."

Acts 12:5-12So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him. The night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries stood guard at the entrance. Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. "Quick, get up!" he said, and the chains fell off Peter's wrists. Then the angel said to him, "Put on your clothes and sandals." And Peter did so. "Wrap your cloak around you and follow me," the angel told him. Peter followed him out of the prison, but he had no idea that what the angel was doing was really happening; he thought he was seeing a vision. They passed the first and second guards and came to the iron gate leading to the city. It opened for them by itself, and they went through it. When they had walked the length of one street, suddenly the angel left him. Then Peter came to himself and said, "Now I know without a doubt that the Lord sent his angel and rescued me from Herod's clutches and from everything the Jewish people were anticipating." When this had dawned on him, he went to the house of Mary the mother of John, also called Mark, where many people had gathered and were praying.

Romans 8:26In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express

1 Timothy 2:1-4I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.

Hebrews 5:7During the days of Jesus' life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission.

Hebrews 7:23-25Now there have been many of those priests, since death prevented them from continuing in office; but because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. Therefore he is able to save completel those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.

James 5:13-16Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.

1 Chronicles 16:11Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always.

2 Chronicles 7:14If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

2 Chronicles 7:14-15If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place.

Psalm 50:15Call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me."

Psalm 55:17Evening and morning, and at noon, I will pray and cry aloud; and He shall hear my voice.

Psalm 65:1-2Praise awaits you, our God, in Zion; to you our vows will be fulfilled. You who answer prayer, to you all people will come.

Psalms 145:18The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.

Proverbs 15:8The LORD detests the sacrifice of the wicked, but the prayer of the upright pleases him.

Proverbs 15:29The LORD is far from the wicked but he hears the prayer of the rrighteous.

Isaiah 55:6Seek the LORD while he may be found; call on him while he is near.

Matt 5:43-44You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven.

Matthew 6:5-12And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. "This, then, is how you should pray: "'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.

Matthew 7:7-8Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.

Matthew 7:11If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask Him!

Mark 9:28-29After Jesus had gone indoors, his disciples asked him privately, "Why couldn't we drive it out?" He replied, "This kind can come out only by prayer."

Mark 11:17And as he taught them, he said, "Is it not written: " 'My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations'

Mark 11:22-25"'Have faith in God,' Jesus answered. 'I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, "Go, throw yourself into the sea," and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins'"

Luke 6:12One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God.

Luke 11:1-13One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, "Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples." He said to them, "When you pray, say: "'Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation.'" Then he said to them, "Suppose one of you has a friend, and he goes to him at midnight and says, 'Friend, lend me three loaves of bread, because a friend of mine on a journey has come to me, and I have nothing to set before him.' "Then the one inside answers, 'Don't bother me. The door is already locked, and my children are with me in bed. I can't get up and give you anything.' I tell you, though he will not get up and give him the bread because he is his friend, yet because of the man's boldness he will get up and give him as much as he needs. "So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. "Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!"

Luke 18:1-10Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. He said: "In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared about men. And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, 'Grant me justice against my adversary.' "For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, 'Even though I don't fear God or care about men, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won't eventually wear me out with her coming!' " And the Lord said, "Listen to what the unjust judge says. And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?"

Luke 18:1Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.

John 14:13-14I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it

Romans 8:26In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.

1 Corinthians 14:15So what shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my mind; I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my mind

Ephesians 6:18-19And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel,

Phillipians 4:6Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

Colossions 4:2Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

1 Timothy 2:1-4I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.

1 Timothy 2:8I want men everywhere to lift up holy hands in prayer, without anger or disputing.

Hebrews 4:16Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

James 1:7But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord;

James 4:3When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.

James 5:13-16Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.

1 Peter 3:7Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers.

1 John 5:14-15This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us - whatever we ask - we know that we have what we asked of him

Revelations 5:8And when he had taken it, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.

Matthew 6:5-12And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. "This, then, is how you should pray: "'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.

Matthew 14:22-24Immediately Jesus made His disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, while He sent the multitudes away. And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. Now when evening came, He was alone there

Matthew 26:39-44Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, "My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will." He went away a second time and prayed, "My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done." So he left them and went away once more and prayed the third time, saying the same thing.

Matthew 26:53Or do you think that I cannot now pray to My Father, and He will provide Me with more than twelve legions of angels?

Matthew 26:39Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, "My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will."

Mark 1:35And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed

Luke 5:15-16The report went around concerning Him all the more; and great multitudes came together to hear, and to be healed by Him of their infirmities.So He Himself often withdrew into the wilderness and prayed.

Luke 6:12Now it came to pass in those days that He went out to the mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.

Luke 9:17-18And it happened, as He was alone praying, that His disciples joined Him, and He asked them, saying, “Who do the crowds say that I am?

Luke 9:28-31Now it came to pass, about eight days after these sayings, that He took Peter, John, and James and went up on the mountain to pray. As He prayed, the appearance of His face was altered, and His robe became white and glistening. And behold, two men talked with Him, who were Moses and Elijah, who appeared in glory and spoke of His decease which He was about to accomplish at Jerusalem.

Luke 11:1-13One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, "Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples." He said to them, "When you pray, say: "'Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation.'" Then he said to them, "Suppose one of you has a friend, and he goes to him at midnight and says, 'Friend, lend me three loaves of bread, because a friend of mine on a journey has come to me, and I have nothing to set before him.' "Then the one inside answers, 'Don't bother me. The door is already locked, and my children are with me in bed. I can't get up and give you anything.' I tell you, though he will not get up and give him the bread because he is his friend, yet because of the man's boldness he will get up and give him as much as he needs. "So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. "Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!"

Luke 22:32But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers."

John 11:41-43So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, "Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me." When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, "Lazarus, come out!

John 14:16-17. 16 And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever—the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you.

John 17:1-26After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed: "Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you. For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him. Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do. And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began. "I have revealed you to those whom you gave me out of the world. They were yours; you gave them to me and they have obeyed your word. Now they know that everything you have given me comes from you. For I gave them the words you gave me and they accepted them. They knew with certainty that I came from you, and they believed that you sent me. I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours. All I have is yours, and all you have is mine. And glory has come to me through them. I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name--the name you gave me--so that they may be one as we are one. While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe by that name you gave me. None has been lost except the one doomed to destruction so that Scripture would be fulfilled. "I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them. I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified. "My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. "Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world. "Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them."